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Nelson Evening Mail, Volume IV, Issue 30, 6 February 1869, Page 2

The tea party and Concert advertised to take place at Waimea West, came off yesterday, and proved a great success. After tea, at which his Lordship the Bishop presided, there were games of every description in a paddock kindly lent for the occasion by Mr James Kerr, the scene being enlivened by the strains of the Fife and Drum Band of the Waimea | Voluuteers, which on this occasion made its first appearance in public ; one of the drummers, a little chap about a drumstick and a half in height, attracting much attention by the skilful manner in which he played the instrument behind which he was partially concealed. At half-past 7, a move was made to the Concert Room, which was speedily filled, and the performance commenced with the Chorus, ' Now is the month of Maying.' A wellselected programme was done ample justice to, some of the solos and duets eliciting great applause. The concett, the success of which was mainly owing to the very valuable assistance rendered by

friends from Nelson and other parts, was brought to a close at half-past 10, and shortly after, the visitors from town, of whom there was a large number, returned home. Altogether a most pleasant afterncou and evening were spent, the country people having an opportunity of listening to some really excellent music, while those from the town enjoyed their outing in the pretty district of Waimea. We have not heard the exact amount realised, but believe that the net receipts will ex* ceed £20. The Rev. P. Calder advertises that he will preach to-morrow eveniug, at the Presbyterian Church, a Sermon for the times, the subject he has chosen being, the ordiuance of preaching — the old doctrines —have they lost their power. We see by a Government advertisement that the Hon. Col. Richmond, C.8., will present the Provincial Government Prizes, on Tuesday next, after the inspection Parade, which is to take place at 6 p.m. A report was current amongst the natives in Taranaki, when the Airedale left that port, that Te Kooti had died from the effects of the wounds received by him at Ngatapa. The Kennedy, from the West Coast, was entering the harbor as we went to press. Alexander Macdonald, who was committed to the Lunatic Asylum, on Wednesday last, as being unfit to be at large, escaped from confinement at; 1 o'tlock this afternoon, and made his way to Judge Richmond's house, where he was taken by the police and sent back to the asylum. This is the second instance of an escape from that institution within the last ten days, surely some one must be to blame for this. A meeting of those in favor of the system of voting by ballot was held la3t night at the store of Mr Clements, Trafalgar Street, Dr Irviue in the chair. On the motion of Mr Crate, seconded by Mr Gibson, it was resolved, ' That this meeting is of opinion that a Committee should be formed to meraoralise the General Assembly in favor of the ballot system in voting at all elections in the Colony of New Zealand. The Committee to consist of Dr Irvine, Messrs Jackson, Gibson, Luckie, D. Burns, Grant, Elliott, Crate, and Clements, with power to add to their number? and that they constitute a standing committee to watch the proceedings in both Houses of Parliament in to the ballot. We regret to find that no advantage has been taken of the liberal offer made by Mr Gourlay to give a performance for the benefit of any of our local charities. We have been shown a letter received by that gentleman, from the Directors of the Sydney lufirmary, thankfully acknowledging the receipt of £35 15s. being the proceeds of an entertainment given by him on behalf of that institution. The Gourlays leave to-morrow in the Airedale, so that it is now too late to accept their offer.